I WAS THERE . . . The Harlem Shakes @ Bowery Ballroom, 7/01/09

Go to college. Get a degree. Become a rock star. This is not your grandma’s formula to greatness, but it is the path through which indietastic band the Harlem Shakes graduated to popular appeal.

Founded upon a nucleus of three Yale graduates, The Harlem Shakes recruited two more astute musicians to round out their "American Pop" sound: a meld of the 'Great American Songbook' with noticeably modern textures. Based on the crowd's deafening sing-along at the Bowery Ballroom on July 1st, one may assume with accuracy that the Shakes' songbook must be on the reading list of America's slightly over-educated yet rousingly upbeat generation of twentysomethings.

The lilting vocals of Lexy Benaim dripped manna into the lobes of a full house hell bent on jiving to orchestrated horns and peppy drum beats. Unlike other concerts, this crowd wasn't too blitzed to notice the fervent bass line alone--they were tuned into Benaim's lyrical musings, perhaps the byproduct of his past life as a Literature and Writing major.

Such smart content requires a hot rod to deliver it and the Shakes' combination of Latin percussion, jazz, classic rock, and indie sugarpop, make for the right set of wheels. The Harlem Shakes drove the crowd into a frenzy with songs from their older album as well as their latest ear candy titled Technicolor Health.

Nicole Velasco

The Daily Shortlist July 9

Location: West Village, NYC
Bands: Matt and Kim
Show time: 6 PM; FREE
Venue: Pier 54-Hudson River Park
Food: Koo Sushi
Drink: Blind Tiger Ale House
Miscellaneous: Peanut Butter and Co.

Indie rock duo Matt and Kim have long been champions of the DIY aesthetic of making simple dance songs that you can’t help but love and gathering as many friends and fans through Myspace and Youtube. It’s paid off too as their second album Grand was released on Fader’s label. These two shine live and will be beyond happy to see you, trust me on that! A little known sushi joint, Koo Sushi offers affordable and fantastic fish with an impressive number of specialty rolls. For a bar that looks like any other, Blind Tiger Ale House offers an impressive number of beers including draught, bottled, cask and one called Louise’s Bloody Beer. Try it if you dare! If you’re in the mood for some comfort food, Peanut Butter and Co., offers some PB heavy hitters like the Elvis, a PB, banana, and bacon sandwich that tastes better than it sounds.

MUSIC REVIEWS: Settle, B-Real, Elfin Saddle, Condo Fucks, Elvis Perkins in Dearland

Settle
At Home We Are Tourists
(Epitaph Records)







The group Settle is recklessly unapologetic, feisty and sharp-witted. Part garage, part emo with a whole lot of angst and temperamental tunes comprise At Home We Are Tourists. This exhilaratingly super catchy collection of songs is built on the foundation of rapid-fire fuzzy guitars and hyper-accelerated punk-inspired drums. Easily meant to be played so that it can crash through open windows and doors, there is also a nice harmonious exchange of vocals as well. The guitarist and lead singer is Nick Rose with Willie Rose on drums, Dave Goletz also on guitar and Chris Burcin on bass. Settle won “Best Music on Campus” in 2006 which was a competition backed by MTV. The new album is the first full-length album from this Easton, Pennsylvania band. Their particularly pointed lyrics poke through as a separate yet interesting entity. “Naked At A Family Function” paves the way for piercing commentary by the title alone and is synth heavy taking on a more indie rock appeal with layered guitars. The low end percussion is a nice opposite against Nick’s high-arching vocals. A party album and somewhat indie-rock formatted along with excitable lyrics, Settle’s formula is worthy of high honor.

Chanda Jones


B-Real
Smoke N Mirrors
(Duck Down Music Inc.)







Smoke N Mirrors is a very diversified rap album. B-Real, of Cypress Hill, effectively weaves many different facets of rap and hip hop into one album whether he is raunching it up or educating the lost. Staccato rhyme delivery has always been B-Real’s signature. Like an artist who is very familiar with the politics of the music industry, B-Real at times sounds like a father figure to those easily seduced by celebrity and prominence in the always rapidly changing trends of music. He addresses selling out in the industry, material wealth, millions, sudden fame, media, then the next big thing and the loss of the spotlight in “6 minutes.” “Gangsta Music” makes the personal political and vice versa. He works hard at speaking on the struggle to survive and how even that struggle destroys. He also reiterates how the dangerous game of certain street life is not the way out but how art can be no matter if your street life is in the suburbs or the city. The title track, “Smoke N Mirrors” starts off with a well-placed high-pitched sample of the Stylistics’ “Children of Night.” What makes this album so good is that B-Real not only educates onlookers to the realness of life and fame but he does it in a very ‘been there, done that’ mentality over just enough heavy bass beats and occasional guitar that create a fresh hip hop existence. “Fire” is a luscious soca-inspired dancehall scorcher featuring Damian Marley. Very charming and very intelligent, “Smoke N Mirrors” is everyone’s rap album. It rings true authentically, stylistically and beat-wise.

Chanda Jones


Elfin Saddle
Ringing for the Begin Again
(Constellation Records)






If you told me to critique a band whose album consisted of nine tracks, four of which were sung in Japanese and two of which were instrumental, I’d probably go with my initial predilections and have to pass. Luckily, I was able to stint this narrow-mindedness by playing the entire album in full before looking at the cover sleeve.

Ringing for the Begin Again was at first intimidating, but my ears easily adapted by the second or third track, and immediately I wanted to hear more from this band called Elfin Saddle. Track one, “The Bringer,” instantly grabbed my attention. The song begins with a mournful-toned narration and then unexpectedly breaks into a frenzy of psychedelic and questionably upbeat sounds. Along with track seven, ironically titled “The Procession,” I felt these songs were not songs at all, but weirdly optimistic, folk-like dirges whose unique sound could only be recreated if bandsKing Crimson and Gogol Bordello got together to jam.

Undoubtedly, it is the instruments fluent throughout the album that make Elfin Saddle a rare success in “mood music.” The violin, trumpet, accordion, ukulele, banjo, contrabass, tuba, xylophone, (and various combinations of each,) allows listeners to forget the fact that they don’t know the words. Vocalist Emi Honda’s light but high-pitched vocals accompany the music perfectly, and while this alone is guaranteed to satisfy, lyric buffs will be pleased to know that the songs are fused with poetry about life, death and nature.

If you want to break free of mainstream garbage for awhile, please check out this Canadian band on Myspace and discover other bands on Constellation Records.

Lucy Tonic


Condo Fucks
Fuckbook
(Matador)







With a name like that, you’d assume they’re punk rock and I assure you won’t be disappointed. Stripped down, lo-fi, hi-distortion, and the rawness of reality snakes it’s way through this three piece set; basic drums, bass, guitar driving an infective vibe. From the false start on “So Easy Baby,” a fun track that exhibits this endearing quality, the foot tappin’ beat under a scraping six string as the bass moseys and the whole band gets into the lyrical act; creating an unlikely anthem.

To “The Kid With The Replaceable Head” having an almost proto-pop feel to it, the band actually reveals themselves as being punk surf rock, their tempo eliciting party times as the backing vocals chime in with familiar hoo-hoos.

Earlier in the album, but also following in this vein, though with a style all it’s own, is a slower track; “This Is Where I Belong.” The distortion disappears, though the low fidelity fuzz remains, one can really get a feel for how all three instruments unite to become more than the sum of their parts. It seems each musician sings as well, the ghostly background vocals shadowing the soothing croon of the main vocalist.

Short songs, fast tempo on the whole, and a minimalist garage rock sensibility make Condo Fucks the low budget but fun and oh so authentic act that one can’t help but rock out to.

If their last track, “Gudbuy T’Jane,” is any indication, these guys know how to break off a lil’ party and bring varied tools in their musical belt along for the ride. Repping punk, surf rock, and good old Americana, the Condo Fucks have a unique sound in that they evoke so many different genres and some how encompass them all. A successful album and a fun ride, I’d recommend this act to any who already enjoy Weezer.

Kenneth Joachim


Elvis Perkins in Dearland
Self-titled
(XL Recordings)






There are some albums that you either love or hate. This is not one of them. There’s nothing to hate about it but there’s really nothing to love either. Elvis Perkins in Dearland is a decent album but an unassuming one. All the songs are mellow and folky and feature Elvis’ chilled out voice which bears resemblance to Devendra Banhart and Win Butler of The Arcade Fire. Like both of those singers, he has an intriguing quality to his voice that does grab your attention but can get a little old. That distinctive voice and the mostly acoustic instrumentation make these songs feel kind of similar and not too much really sticks out. Even so, songs like “Hey” and “Hours Last Stand” grow on you even as you are listening to them. “Doomsday” is the biggest standout, if not simply because it sounds so much like an Arcade Fire song. This song sounds like a big celebration at the end of the world with upright bass and horns. It would easily be right at home on Neon Bible. “Doomsday” also stands out for lyrics like “though you voted for that evil man/I couldn’t refuse your hand on doomsday.” The song definitely has some magic, I just wish it didn’t sound like an imitation. At any rate there’s good stuff here and lots of people will like it a lot. For me, it’s not an album I’d put on again and again.

Jonathan Zuckerman

The Daily Shortlist July 8

Location: Midtown West, NYC
Bands: Juana Molina + Curumin
Show time: 7 PM
Venue: Central Park SummerStage
Food: Brother Jimmy’s Bait Shack
Drink: BB&R
Miscellaneous: Dylan's Candy Bar

Argentinean singer/songwriter Juana Molina headlines tonight's Summerstage show and is someone you want to hear and see. Mixing acoustic guitar and her gorgeous voice with some ambient and electronics, she makes some beautiful music. Joining her is Curumin, a Brazillian musician who takes plenty of electronic and traditional brazillian music to make some rump shaking sounds. Plus it’s FREE. If you’ve got a craving for barbeque, check out Brother Jimmy’s Bait Shack as the ribs, chicken, beef, and pork are all smothered in some amazing BBQ sauce. BB&R, which stands for Blonde, Brunette, and a Redhead is the brainchild of three best friends. What they’ve created is something between a neighborhood bar and a lounge with leather seats in the front and a pool table, photo booth, and video games in the back. Looking more like it came out of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Dylan's Candy Bar is a colorful place to get lollipops, licorice, and all things sugary. Don’t go crazy or your sweet tooth might melt here!

THE INTERVIEW: Bedouin Soundclash

Although there is a huge call for thunderstorms, it is a beautiful evening in the city.

As I approach the corner of Elizabeth and Prince, I notice a guy leaning on the street post and smoking a cigarette. I go to ask him if I can borrow a light, when my contact taps me on the shoulder, spins me around and than introduces me to the guy leaning on the street post, aka Jay Malinowski; lead vocalist and guitarist for reggae-soul group Bedouin Soundclash.

With a presence focused yet reposed, I immediately feel comfortable.

Instead of doing the typical interview-over-coffee, he suggests we sit outside and enjoy the weather, so we plant ourselves on a skate box in front of the McNally Jackson Café.

Eight or nine years ago when Bedouin Soundclash started out, what were your goals in terms of success? Did you expect to be where you are now? Playing sold out shows to loving fans across the globe?

We started out just as any kid would, just imagining things. Even the idea of playing a show in NY was amazing to us. At this point I kind of wish I still had that feeling, cause now a show in NY is just a show in NY… Playing with The Roots, or any big name act, you lose that childish wonder. But I’m very thankful to be doing what I’m doing.

From album to album you guys have created a sound all your own. From the get-go did you guys set out to achieve something in particular or was it all an experiment with music?

Our band has always been an experiment, but Eon and I always had very clear goals on what we wanted to do. It was always, “let’s do something different.” I wouldn’t say that we necessarily wanted to be “uncool,” but we always wanted to do things for the right reasons…making music purely just to make music.

Who has been your favorite band/musician to play with, collaborate with, etc.?

Saturday we co-headlined a show with The Aggrolites, and right now they are my favorite band to work with. I think they really nailed down the idea of that dirty punk-rock reggae sound.

Is there anyone that you would or would have liked to work with in the music industry?

Joe Strummer, period. Joe Strummer is who made me want to be in a band. The Clash was my favorite band when I was young, and Joe Strummer was my hero. As you get older you stop having heroes like that, but I’ll always get childish over him.

How did the whole touring with No Doubt concept come about and what’s it been like touring with them thus far?

I’m not too sure how exactly it all went down, but they’ve been fans of our band, and we’re very flattered by that. No Doubt is such a great band and their live show is so incredible. I respect them for staying together for so long. I mean they were together for nine years before anything even happened. I think that’s what’s missing these days…All these hype bands come and go so fast.

So what can fans expect from your new studio album coming out in 2010?

With every album I feel we’re getting closer to what we want to say. It’s gonna be a little more reggae, but classic-soul reggae, which has always been our favorite aspect of music.

How has the recording process been this time around vs. in the past?

This is the first time we’ve had time. We’ve always been on the road, constantly grinding. This is the first time we could really think critically about what we wanted to say and take our time with it. So I think the record’s going to be very different in that sense.

So what sparked the initial creation of Bedouin Soundclash?

Eon and I were both outsiders at school, and we both didn’t expect to find anything we were looking for at that place. We kind of both became friends on this basis alone, not expecting much from each other. Then one day I heard him play bass… and we played together, and it just sounded really good. We understand each other in a way that most people don’t.

What can we expect from a Bedouin Soundclash show?

We’ll play our show and if there’s a vibe, there’s a vibe. Sometimes it’ll be a sold out show with a thousand people who’ve been waiting to see you and it just won’t happen, and sometimes you’ll be playing to 25 people in Omaha and it’ll be the best show of your life. But we’ll definitely bring whatever we have to the table and we hope the audience does too.

Lucy Tonic

The Daily Shortlist July 7

Location: Tribeca, NYC
Bands: Journal of Popular Noise Get Tickets Here
Show time: 8 PM
Food: Pakistan Tea House
Drink: Mocca Lounge
Miscellaneous: Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

The Journal of Popular Noise, a semi-annual audio magazine is having a record release party with performances by Andrew W.K., T.V. Baby, Walker & Cantrell, and Jayson Greene. Nearby, Pakistan Tea House is a buffet style Indian restaurant where you can choose between chicken, meat, fish and vegetables. It’s affordable and very good. For drinks, check out Mocca Lounge. With a funky interior and a menu of Italian inspired fare, it’s also a bar with a large list of coffees with or without alcohol, beers, and frozen shots. Smack dab in the heart of Chinatown, the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory makes gourmet ice cream flavors like Black Sesame, Ginger, Durian, and more exotic flavors like Taro and Wasabi. Don’t worry, they have the go-to’s like Vanilla, fruits, and chocolate flavors too.

Lipstick Queen: Big Bang Illusion Lip Gloss

Lipstick Queen is the reigning royal of lip products (see prior review of this line). This is one of the only times that my friends and I fought over a beauty product. Men, yes, but lip gloss, never. Big Bang Illusion Lip Gloss is an ultramodern formula that feels silky-smooth on application and exceptionally moisturizing to the lips. If you follow my reviews, you read that I am not a huge fan of lip gloss as it isn’t practical. This gloss was long lasting with superb shimmer. There wasn’t a trace of lip stain on my champagne flute at happy hour and I only applied the gloss once in the morning. It creates the impression of full lips without any sting. We simply can’t wait for more products from the Lipstick Queen herself, Poppy King.

Ashkan

The Daily Shortlist July 6

Location: Murray Hill, NYC
Film: Dog Day Afternoon
Show time: 5 PM
Venue: Bryant Park
Food: Seven’s Mediterranean Turkish Grill
Drink: Shalel Lounge
Miscellaneous: Boat Basin Cafe

The Bryant Park Summer Film Festival presents director Sidney Lumet’s 1975 film, Dog Day Afternoon featuring gay bank robber Al Pacino trying to steal enough money to get his lover that sex-change operation he’s been wanting, screens in Bryant Park. Come early to secure your spot on the lawn as these screenings tend to fill up fast and this is a great film to see in the park. For good Mediterranean food on the UWS, Seven’s Mediterranean Turkish Grill is an excellent choice. Specializing in Pides (stuffed dough), they also serve most of the staple Turkish dishes. Hidden, though well worth the hunt, Shalel Lounge is a romantic spot with a cave-like atmosphere, and an excellent though pricey beer and wine list. Overlooking the water in Riverside Park, the Boat Basin Cafe is a really beautiful outdoor café with one of the best views of the Hudson River and NJ. You heard me, NJ! The menu is mostly burgers and sandwiches and plenty of BBQ. Best of all, it’s affordable and fun.

I WAS THERE . . . Cubic Zirconia @ Santo’s Party House, 7/2/09

Tiombe Lockhart of Cubic Zirconia Photo by Chad Batka




Before this show I had never heard of Cubic Zirconia. Judging by the rest of the audience I was the only one. The main reason I went to this show was because I heard Head Automatica were on the bill. I’ve been a fan of Head Automatica since their debut in 2004 and had never seen them live. Their set was great if not too short but they were definitely the oddballs of the night. They are heavily dance influenced but they are still a rock band. Cubic Zirconia are a whole other species. Their set was all synth-heavy club jams that got the whole, ridiculously attractive, audience dancing. They had a guitarist but I couldn’t hear a single note he played. The focus was mainly on the rhythm. Throbbing bass notes mixed with huge amounts of drumming, both electronic and live. They spiced up this sound by adding lots of live Latin percussion which gave another interesting element to their music. The focal point of their performance was their very confident singer. In an outfit that screamed “wardrobe malfunction” she still danced like a madwoman, taking breaks in between to sing a little bit. Their music is not really my thing but I can’t judge them based on that. They turned a rock club into an all-out dance party and that is impressive. Club hoppers and indie rockers alike were mesmerized by the beat and understandably so. Cubic Zirconia are very good at what they do.

Jonathan Zuckerman

Hey Bands: Wanna Swap Your Life with Another Band for a Little While?

Zannel and Re:wind Entertainment have opened the casting call for “Band Swap”, a new mobile reality show that allows up-and coming-independent musicians from areas across the country to enter for the opportunity to swap lives with the hit San Francisco indie band, Down Down Down. After selecting a winner, Down Down Down will then commit to a full musical life switch with the winning band-which includes performing in each other’s hometown (or country), sharing equipment and housing. Both bands will “life cast” their adventures on Zannel, promoting themselves directly to the public through videos, pictures, and texts.

The contest is open to any band or artist that submits both a performance piece and a short video explaining why they want to trade places with Down Down Down and perform in their hometown of San Francisco, CA.

For more information on “Band Swap” check out: http://www.zannel.com/bandswap

Corey Crossfield